Washington, DC - After two weeks, the Cessation of Hostilities in Syria is still largely holding. None of the armed factions, nor the High Negotiations Committee (HNC) itself, has indicated they want the Cessation to end, and so the United States, the UN, and other members of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) consider it still in effect. We also regard as active participants all armed factions that at the outset indicated adherence to the Cessation and are thus covered by its provisions, as are the regime and its backers.

Despite the reduction in violence nationwide, we remain deeply concerned by continued specific violations to the Cessation of Hostilities, including attacks on civilians and opposition forces by the regime and its supporters. We call again on all parties to meet their obligations and immediately halt all such attacks. The United States will also continue working to secure full and unimpeded humanitarian access to all parts of Syria, including to besieged and hard-to-reach places such as Daraya.

The Cessation of Hostilities has produced a dramatic reduction in violence in Syria and permitted humanitarian access to begin in some besieged areas. At the same time, more must be done by the international community to stop the violence, end the sieges permanently, deliver the aid, and release detainees, particularly women and children. We are at a critical moment in this conflict. We should not squander it through neglect or willful negligence. All parties must abide by their obligations.